How to use a camera: exposure modes made simple

What is Shutter Priority mode?

In this section we venture beyond Program mode and your Aperture Priority setting to uncover the secrets behind using Shutter Priority mode

Shutter Priority mode is simply the opposite of Aperture Priority mode, so instead of choosing the aperture you have control over the shutter speed.

This mode is most useful when you are shooting moving subjects, especially when you don’t have time to set the aperture manually – when shooting sports, wildlife or action, for example.

To freeze fast-moving subjects like birds in flight or motor racing you’ll need a fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec or faster.

Remember that you may need to increase the ISO to allow you to use these fast shutter speeds, especially in low light.

You can also combine a slower shutter speed with a panning technique – where you follow the movement with your camera to blur the background while keeping the main subject sharp.

Try using a shutter speed of around 1/125 sec when panning with fast-moving subjects like motorbikes or cars, while you can try a slower speed such as 1/30 sec for slower moving subjects.

You can use Shutter Priority for long shutter speed effects such as blurring moving water, people or traffic.

You’ll need a shutter speed of 1/4 sec, or slower to blur many of these subjects, so you’ll have to mount the camera on a tripod, and ideally use a remote shutter release to ensure the static areas are pin sharp.